I have PZ-56 screw removing pliers made by the “Engineer” brand. They look like regular slip-joint pliers except the end which looks like these. They don’t damage the inside of the screw head, so if it wasn’t previously damaged you can re-use it. Lineman’s pliers don’t have the vertical teeth so unless there is a lot of clearance to the side you won’t be able to grip the screw as securely. I have used them many times to remove pan head screws which co-workers were about to drill out. Of course, countersunk screws require other methods.

In 1837 Charles Babbage began a design of the Analytical Engine, what would be the first ever Turing complete machine. It was never completed, but a British charity, Plan 28 hope to finish building a machine by 2021, 150 years after Babbage’s death.

In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens’ educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program.